Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Philippines review: The last goodbye to the seasoned AUV

1. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Philippines: Introduction

The Isuzu Crosswind has forayed into the Philippine auto market since the year of 2001 and has built up its reputation for durability, versatility and reliability. For 16 years of stirring the market, this well-known AUV has notched up much success to become a strong seller in its segment.

During 16 years of its life, the Crosswind has undergone the myriad of upgrades but principally, they’re minor.

Isuzu Crosswind - Simple is Better

For now, it’s still a simple and rugged workhorse: no appealing look, no advanced features and no CRDi powertrain. But come to think of it, it has an airy cabin and enough power that can meet your basic needs.

Regretfully, those are not sufficient. It’s the paucity of a Euro-4 compliant engine that leads to the phase-out of this iconic AUV, not to mention an unfairly battle with new talented players.

2017 is the final year of the Isuzu Crosswind. Before year end, Philkotse.com wants to bid the Crosswind a final farewell via this Isuzu Crosswind Philippines Review. Our review will mainly focus on the top trim Isuzu Crosswind Sportivo X AT which is the best member in the lineup. Hopefully after finishing our review, staying in your mind is a good impression of this veteran.

2017 Isuzu Crosswind Media Test Drive

>>> See more: There will be no Isuzu Crosswind successor in the Philippines

2. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Philippines: Exterior

Having passed nearly 16-year run, the Isuzu Crosswind has been a solid statue when it comes to exterior design that cannot be mixed up with any kinds of vehicle. It hasn’t changed through years. Some people may think it’s out of date but to our eyes, it exudes a rugged charm.

For 2018, its allure is blended with fresh design with sleek curves and aggressive lines, making the upright and boxy AUV become a new handsome boy of modern lifestyle.

The Isuzu Crosswind has been a solid statue when it comes to exterior design

For 2018, its allure is blended with fresh design with sleek curves and aggressive lines

Item by item, the new Crosswind is re-profiled with a new front face which is decorated by a 6-hole chrome front grille sided by clear halogen headlights, a refined front bumper and all-weather fog lamps.

The new Crosswind is re-profiled with a new front face

As for the side, a set of 15-inch alloys wrapped in thickset 235/70 all-terrain tires is responsible for forcing the Crosswind to move as well as beautifying it. Beyond that, side profile also has got colored external ORVMs and door handles. As for the mirrors, they’re equipped with side turn blinker and are absolutely electrically adjustable.

Side profile also has got colored external ORVMs and door handles

It is fitted with a set of 15-inch alloys wrapped in thickset 235/70 all-terrain tires

On the other hand, the rear car is given chrome tailpipe finisher, a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler with a high mounted stop lamp alongside a large boot lid embedded with the trim badge and a thick chrome strip. The new rear bumper currently comes paired with a couple of reflectors and a cladding. Plus, a defogger featuring wash/wipe function is present on the windscreen.

The rear car is given chrome tailpipe finisher, a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler with a high mounted stop lamp

First and foremost, the 2018 Isuzu Crosswind exterior boasts a captivating look on which both modern and classic beauties converge.

3. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Philippines: Interior

Out of date, again! Unsurprisingly, because we know that it’s old. Stepping inside, a huge cabin greets you with a sedated two-tone color scheme: black and beige. Albeit old, to some extent, it’s still attractive. If considering its main purpose of carrying family, this design is acceptable.

We dare say many of you have still been looking for a present-day cockpit as seen in most of modern AUVs. Sadly, we no longer have any chance to see it transform. Yes, it’s too late for that now! Anyway, here is a good cabin.

A huge cabin greets you with a sedated two-tone color scheme: black and beige

Seats are covered by leather and hard-wearing vinyl. Hard plastic is not appreciated yet Isuzu seems to abuse this kind of material on instrument panel and center console. We know these materials are dated; however we think they’re long-lasting at least.

Seats are now covered by leather and hard-wearing vinyl

Being the range-topping but the Sportivo X does not come with any fancy touchscreens. Instead, a Philips 1-DIN audio head unit will keep you and your entire family entertained. Thankfully, it supports CD, DVD, AM/FM radio, MP3, WMA and USB connectivity to boot. We see that you thirst for Aux input but… we’re sorry.

If you’re looking for the monitor for the reverse camera, turn your gaze on the head unit’s scree where all information will be displayed.

Legroom at the second row is abundant

Regarding seating capacity, the Sportivo is at odds with lesser trims. While other members in the family features a second row bench, the top-of-the-line is mollycoddled with 70/30 split row seats for easier stowing of cumbrous cargo. Further, legroom at the second row is abundant (whereas space for the third row is scant).

Other than that, in lieu of side-facing benches, the third row now receives front-facing seats which are foldable to create more space for luggage at the rear.

The Crosswind gets 70/30 split row seats for easier stowing of cumbrous cargo

As indicated above, born to serve the family, the 2018 Isuzu Crosswind interior’s utilitarian qualities are fully represented in the maximum use of space that makes all of us admire.

4. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Philippines: Safety Features

The simplicity means that the Isuzu Crosswind 2018 model lacks several safety features which come as standard in modern workhorses.

First, it has no airbags and no ABS, either. Next, it can’t afford neither traction nor stability control. All of its legacy are seatbelts and a reverse camera with rear sensors. It must be admitted that on the subject of safety, the Crosswind is totally defeated.

5. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Review: Engine & Performance

Nearly 20 years old, but the Isuzu Crosswind 2018 model still packs the antiquated 2.5-liter 4JA-1L turbo diesel engine with 85 PS at 3,900 rpm and max torque of 185 Nm at 2,000 rpm. In the Sportivo in particular, this mill comes paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission to transmit power to the rear wheels.

The Isuzu Crosswind still packs the antiquated 2.5-liter 4JA-1L turbo diesel engine

For the Crosswind, age is absolutely no problem since it rides admirably. Soft suspension system and chunky tires, going through tough roads is just a bed of roses, not to speak of its flawless performance on rutted city streets. That said, the AUV somewhat feels light and flimsy at tight bends; thence, be cautious about making emergency maneuvers at high speeds.

For the Crosswind, age is absolutely no problem since it rides admirably

Parking yourself in the Crosswind, you will take a commanding view of the road. Despite a fixed steering rack, the driver’s seat is quite comfortable with good side supports.

Nevertheless, back to the engine, admittedly, this OHV 8-valve and non-intercooled unit starts to show its age. To tell the truth, though it’s dependable and simple to work on, we see the shortage of mid-range grunt found in today’s diesel mill. Only with a 4-speed automatic, the Sportivo, no doubt, has limited gearing and even, is relatively noisy at highway speeds.

Compensating for this drawback is its impressive fuel efficiency. In mixed driving conditions, the Isuzu Crosswind can return 9.5 km/l which is great for an aged turbo diesel engine.

All in all, the Crosswind’s engine is still good enough for Pinoys’ purposes of use, but not for the environment. As mentioned earlier, this Euro-2 compliant engine is exactly the culprit making the Crosswind’s discontinuation of production. For the reason, in 2018, all new non-Euro 4 cars will not be registered with the LTO any longer.

According to Isuzu, applying new tech to the AUV will certainly make it more alluring but perhaps, they’re unsure whether the increase in price will lessen its rivalry or not.

>>> Related posts:

• 5 things we love the most about the soon-to-be-phased-out Isuzu Crosswind
• Is it possible to register your Euro 2 car in 2018?

6. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Price in the Philippines

₱1,345,000! It’s truly an attractive price tag for a top-of-the-line model. However, for several thousand Pesos more, there will be a wide range of choices open to you: newer and better AUVs. For instance, you can go for the sibling Mu-X which is pampered with a more potent CRDi engine and a plethora of features.

For all that, price is still a boon for the Crosswind. To get a more overview of how much the Crosswind is being priced, get to our Isuzu Crosswind for sale section.

7. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Specs in the Philippines

8. Isuzu Crosswind 2018 Review: Verdict

The Isuzu Crosswind Philippines will officially be vanishing without trace once the year ends. Like us, it is certain that you don’t have the heart to say goodbye to the Crosswind, either. Nonetheless, for the sake of better-equipped vehicles as well as cleaner emissions, it is resigned to be phased out.

All things considered, it has withstood the test of time and has successfully fulfilled its duty regardless of the stiff competition from a number of new models.

Isuzu Crosswind is always a favorite for all Filipino families and business owners

At the last moment, Philkotse.com would like to say that this Isuzu Crosswind Philippines Review is the last goodbye to the seasoned AUV. If you still feel regret a symbol of AUV for 16 years, keep alive the hope that the Japanese company will come up with a brilliant successor which is qualified enough to play the role of our Crosswind.

Whatever the next chapter brings, from the bottom of our heart, the Isuzu Crosswind is always a favorite for all Filipino families and business owners.